Memories & Candles

JoanGraceRichardson, 89, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on October 28, 2017. She was the daughter of the late Julius M. and Rose O. Meininger. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Joseph H. Richardson; her brother Dan E. Meininger, Kettering, Ohio; children Lois R. (Jeff) Lohse, Ellen R. (Scott) Gravelie and James K. (Sandie) Richardson; six grandsons Grant Lohse, Gordon Lohse, J.T. Gravelie, James Richardson, Ian Richardson, Konnor Richardson; and 3 great grandchildren Nathaniel, Tessa and Olivia Lohse. She attended Indiana University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Political Science and plans for a career in the Foreign Service. She was president of Delta Delta Delta sorority and a member of Mortar Board. On July 8, 1950, she married Joe and raised their three children. She was active with the Fort Wayne Medical Society Alliance, the Delta Chapter of Tri Kappa, Homebound Meals, P.E.O. AN chapter, Allen County Medical Alliance Book Discussion Group and The Saturday Club. She enjoyed playing tennis with her friends, gardening, beach walking, and nearly any activity that would allow her to be outdoors. She traveled extensively with her husband, often to their northern Michigan home in Eastport; and after the children were adults, she joined him in running his medical practice. She also found great pleasure in their beloved Norwegian Elkhound dogs: Gunnar, Katrinka and Victoria. However, her greatest joy and legacy were her family, whom she universally and continually supported throughout her life in whatever way possible. The following words were found in Joan's journal, "In springtime, we are caught up in the beauty and joy that this most favorite of seasons brings. We are all captivated by God's natural world as it bursts into flowers and greenness. Springtime is a time of hope, beauty and renewal." – 2007. To celebrate both her joy of family and springtime, we will hold a memorial service Saturday March 24, 2018 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 7211 Stellhorn Road, Fort Wayne, IN. The family will greet visitors and friends at the church at 2:00 with a service following at 3:00. Private family burial will be at Concordia Cemetery Gardens, where she will eventually be joined by her husband, at a site previously scattered with the ashes of their three Norwegian Elkhounds. Donations may be made to Homebound Meals and the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

Memories & Candles

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